A Cybercrime Briefing for Permanent Representations and Permanent Observers to the Council of Europe was held on 17 September 2026 to discuss the practical impact of cybercrime on citizens and the continued relevance of the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention).
The discussions focused on the increasing cybercrime related risks faced by citizens in their daily lives, including online scams, cyber-enabled interference in democratic processes and technology-facilitated abuse. Participants also exchanged views on the challenges posed by the cross-border nature of cybercrime and the need for effective, lawful access to electronic evidence.
Aisling Kelly, Head of the Cybercrime Division, presented on the practical impact of cybercrime on citizens and on why the Budapest Convention, including its Second Additional Protocol on enhanced co-operation and disclosure of electronic evidence, matters for cases involving cross border investigations.
The briefing also highlighted the Council of Europe’s capacity-building work through its Cybercrime Programme Office (C-PROC), which provides global capacity building to law enforcement authorities worldwide in strengthening criminal justice responses to cybercrime.
The event took place in the context of the 25th anniversary of the Budapest Convention, which will be celebrated at the Octopus Conference in Strasbourg (14 – 16 October 2026). It was opened with remarks by Gianluca Esposito, Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law, and concluded with remarks by Gabriel Revel, Ambassador of Monaco to the Council of Europe. Speakers agreed on the importance of countries continuing to provide practical financial support to allow the Council of Europe continue this important and very impactful work.
Briefing presentation
Council of Europe dedicated webpages: Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention), First Additional Protocol, Second Additional Protocol- Council of Europe Treaty Office: Details of the Convention (ETS No. 185), First Additional Protocol (ETS 189), Second Additional Protocol (CETS 224)